Irish trainer Aiden O'Brien has withdrawn Istabraq from the AIG Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown on Sunday. Istabraq is on course to head straight for the Cheltenham Festival and have a shot at a historic fourth Smurfit Champion Hurdle. O'Brien, who will rely on Kilcash Castle in Sunday's two-mile event, said of Istabraq: "He's only back trotting and so far he seems grand."
Four British-trained runners are among the 12 confirmations for Leopardstown. Geos (Nicky Henderson), Hors La Loi III (James Fanshawe), Milligan (Venetia Williams), and The French Furze (Nicky Richards) are the foreign hopefuls. Edward O'Grady's Ned Kelly has been installed the 7-4 favourite with Cashmans Bookmakers of Cork, with Geos at 3-1.
Filed by Amanda Fennelly
